Freight bracing means



June 27, 1967 H. E. ROLFE, JR 3,327,645

FREIGHT BRACING MEANS Filed March 22, 1965 5 Sheets-Sheet l H fraFA/E/s' June 27, 1967 H. E. ROLFE, .1R 3,327,645

FREIGHT BRACING MEANS Filed March 22, 1965 5 Sheets-Sheet i f im June 27, 1967 H. E. RoLFE, .1R

FREIGHT BRACING MEANS 5 Sheets-Sheet 5 Filed March 22, 1965 June 27, 1967 H. E. RoLFE, JR 3,327,545

FREIGHT BRACING MEANS Filed March 22, 1965 5 Sheets-Sheet 4 June 27, 1967 FREIGHT BRAC Filed March 22, 1965 H. E. ROLFE, JR

5 Sheets-Sheet Lil-:E14-

INVENTOR. #6756721 l. 270.77%; J3",

/7 17p :num/4,

United States Patent 3,327,645 Y Y g FREIGHT BRACING MEANS Herbert E. Roife, Ir., Garden City, Mich., assigner to Evans Products Company, a corporation of Delaware Fiied lidar. 22, 1965, Ser. No. 441,521 14 Claims. (Cl. 10S-369) This invention relates to a freight bracing means for bracing freight within a storage area and more particularly to sidewall ller panel assembly for use in a railway car or the like.

Frequently, a plurality of similarly shaped items will be stored within a storage area. Quite often the articles are of such a size that they will not extend completely between opposing walls of the storage area. It is desirable to brace the freight within the storage varea in this case to preclude movement of the freight. This is particularly important where the freight is stored within `a railway car or yother type of moving vehicle. It has been proposed to provide a freight bracing means that is supported directly by one of the walls of the storage area and may `be extended or retracted with respect to its supporting wall to engage the freight. It is most desirable if the freight bracing means may be actuated from its operative to its storage position either from within or externally of the storage area.

It, therefore, is the principal object of this invention to provide a freight bracing means for bracing freight within a storage area that may be actuated yfrom either within or externally of the storage area.

In the case of railway cars, it is most desirable to make use of the maximum storage area within the car, This involves placing freight adjacent the side access doors of the car. The freight bracing problems noted previously, are also present when freight is positioned adjacent the doors. Is is thus necessary in these applications to provide a freight bracing means betwen the freight and the door. If the freight bracing means is supported by the door, it is essential that it be retracted before the door, which is normally of the sliding type, is opened.

It is, therefore, a further object of this invention to provide a freight bracing means supported by an access door and an interlock that precludes opening of the door until the freight bracing means is in its storage position.

Other objects and advantages of this invention will become more apparent as this description proceeds, particularly when considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein:

FIGURE l is an elevational view, with portions broken away and other portions shown in section, of a portion of a railway car embodying this invention;

FIGURE 2 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line 2-2 of FIGURE 1;

FIGURE 3 is an enlarged view of the area encompassed by the circle 3 in FIGURE 1;

FIGURE 4 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line 4 4 of FIGURE 2;

FIGURE 5 is an enlarged view of the area encompassed bythe circle 5 in FIGURE 2;

FIGURE 6 is an enlarged view of the area encompassed by the circle 6 in FIGURE 2;

FIGURE 7 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line 7*-7 of FIGURE 6;

FIGURE 8 is an enlarged cross-sectional view taken along the line 8-8 of FIGURE 2;

FIGURE 9 is an enlarged cross-sectional view taken along the line 9 9 of FIGURE 1;

FIGURE 10 is an enlarged cross-sectional view taken along the line lil-10 of FIGURE 1;

FIGURE 11 is an enlarged view of the area encompassed bythe circle 11 in FIGURE 1;

FIGURE l2 is an end view of the area shown in FIG- URE 11;

ice

FIGURE 13 is an elevational View, similar to FIGURE 1, showing the exterior of the railway car;

FIGURE 14 is an enlarged cross-sectional View taken along the line 14*14 of FIGURE 13; and

FIGURE 15 is an elevational view of the area shown in FIGURE 14.

Referring now in detail to the drawings, -it is to be understood that although this invention is shown as embodied in a railway car, it may be used in conjunction with other types of freight storage devices. It has particular application, however, to the bracing of freight within vehicles wherein the freight may be subjected to damage if it is permitted to shake from side to side or end to end within the vehicle in which it is stored.

Referring first to FIGURES 1 and 2, a railway car ernbodying this invention is illustrated partially and comprises a sidewall having an access opening that is closed by a side door assembly, indicated generally by the reference numeral 21. The side door assembly 21 is supported in a known manner for sliding movement along the car sidewall from a closed position across the access opening to an open position spaced from it. For example, the side door assembly 21 may be supported for this sliding movement in the manner shown in Cook et al., Patent 2,930,332, entitled Railway Boxcars and Doors Therefor, issued Mar. 29, 1960. The sidewall and side door assembly 21 terminate at a floor 22 which defines in part with the sidewall and door assembly 21 a storage area, indicated generally by the reference numeral 23. A sidewall liller assembly, indicated generally by the reference numeral 24, is supported by the side door assembly 21 for movement from a retracted or storage position to an operative position, the latter of which is shown in the drawings. In its operative position, the sidewall filler assembly 24 is adapted to ll a void 25 which may exist at the side of the storage area 23 if the freight contained therein is of such a size that it is impossible to fill the storage area 23 along one dimension. The sidewall filler assembly 24 can be extended to engage the sides ofthe freight within the storage area to preclude lateral movement thereof.

Referring now additionally to FIGURES 3 through f7, the door assembly 21 may include a pair of Z-shaped structural elements 26 and 27 that are fixed at each side thereof. Alternatively, the elements 26 and 27 may not form part of the door assembly 21 itself, but may be aixed to suitable structural elements of the door assembly. As seen in more detail in FIGURE 8, the structural elements 26 and 27 each include a first leg 2S that is atlxed to the door assembly 21 and a second leg 29 that extends parallel to the first leg 28 and is displaced outwardly from the door assembly 21 by a leg 31. The legs 29 of the members 26 and 27 face each other. A plurality of longitudinally extending structural members 32, 33 and 34 span the structural members 26 and 27 and are atlxed, as by welding, thereto. In the illustrated embodiment, the members 32 and 34 are structural angles and the member 33 is a strap of steel stock.

Sz'dewzzll filler assembly Supported between the structural members 26 and 27 are an -upper sidewall actuating frame assembly 36 and a lower sidewall actuating frame assembly 37. The assembly 36 includes horizontally extending strap members 38, 39' and 41. The opposite sides of the horizontally extending members 38, 39 and 41 are axed to vertically extending structural angles 42 and 43 that are supported for vertical movement but restrained against horizontal movement by engagement with the legs 29 and 31 of the Z-shaped structural members 26 and 27 (FIGURE 8). Vertically extending straps 44, 45, 46 and 47 are aixed at spaced intervals to the horizontally extending members 38, 39 and 41. The lower ends of the straps 44 through 47 terminate below the lower edge of the horizontally extending member 41.

The lower side wall actuating frame assembly 37 is substantially similar to the upper frame 36, but is inverted. The lower frame assembly 37 includes horizontally extending members 48, 49 and 51 that are joined at each side thereof to vertically extending structural angles 52 and 53 that are also guided for vertical movement, but restrained against horizontal movement by the structural members 26 and 27 of the door assembly 21. Vertically extending straps 54, 55, 56 and 57 are fixed at spaced intervals along the length of the horizontal members 48, 49 and 51. The vertical straps 54 through 57 extend above the horizontal member 48.

A plurality of upper strap hinges 61 are pivotally connected at their upper ends to the horizontal member 3S of the upper sidewall actuating frame assembly 36 and at their lower ends to a horizontally extending structural member 62 of a filler wall panel supporting frame. Each of a row of strap hinges 63 are connected at their upper ends to the horizontal member 39 of the sidewall actuating frame 36 and at their other ends to a horizontally extending structural member 64 of the filler Wall panel supporting frame. The lower sidewall actuating frame assembly 36 is pivotally connected, in a like manner, to horizontally extending structural members 65 and 66 of the filler wall supporting frame by upper strap hinges 67 and lower strap hinges 68. The strap hinges 67 and 68 extend upwardly from pivotal connections with the horizontal structural members 49 and 51, respectively, of the lower sidewall actuating frame assembly 37 to the structural members 65 and 66.

A filler wall panel in the form of a sheet ofplywood or the like y69 is affixed in any suitable manner to the filler wall supporting frame members 62, 64, 65 and 66, preferably by bolting so that the panel-69 may be replaced if it is damaged. A plurality of circular apertures '70 are formed in the panel 69 to permit air to flow freely between opposite sides of the filler wall panel when it is being retracted and extended to facilitate its movement.

To assist in carrying the weight of the filler wall assembly 24, particularly when it is in the extended position, a pair of vertically extending strap members 71 and 72 are provided. The strap member 71 is pivotally connected, as by a hinge 73, adjacent its upper end to the structural angle 32 that is affixed to the door assembly 21. In a like manner, the strap member 72 is pivotally connected by a hinge assembly 74 to the structural angle 32 (FIGURE 5). The lower ends of the strap members 71 and 72 are pivotally connected, as by hinges 75 (only one of which is shown) to the hinges 67 (FIGURES 2, 6 and 7).

The actuating structure for vertically moving the sidewall actuating frames 36 and 37 and extending the filler wall panel 69 will now be described in detail by particular reference to FIGURES l and 3. The strap 33 of the door assembly 21 is provided with a plurality of apertures that receive pivot pins 76, 77, 78 and 79, Bellcranks 81,

' 82, S3 and 84 are pivotally supported upon the pivot pins 76, 77, 78 and 79, respectively. It will =be noted that the bellcranks 81 and 82 extend at an opposite-angle to the bellcranks 83 and 84. The purpose for this is to equalize the side loading upon the sidewall actuating frame assemblies 36 and 37 so that they will slide freely in the structural members 26 and 27 without binding. The upper ends of the bellcranks 81, 82, 83, and 84 and the lower ends of the vertically extending straps 44, 45, 46 and 47 of the upper sidewall actuating frame assembly 36 are pivotally connected to opposite ends of the links 85, 86, 87 and 88, respectively. In a like manner, the lower ends of the bellcranks 81, 82, 83 and 84 and the upper ends of the vertically extending straps 54, 55, 56 and 57 of the lower sidewall actuating frame assembly 37 are pivotally connected to opposite ends of links 91, 92, 93 and 94, respectively.

The upper ends of the bellcranks 81 and 82 and lower ends of the links and 86 are interconnected 'by a parallel link 95 that is pivotally connected at each of its ends to the respective bellcranks and links. in a like manner, the lower ends of the bellcranks 83 and 84 and upper ends of the links 93 and 94 are interconnected by a parallel link 96 that is pivotally connected at each of its ends to the respective bellcranks and links. The lower ends of the bellcranks 81 and 82 and the upper ends of the links 91 and 92 also are connected by a parallel link 97. The link 97, however, does not terminate at the pivotal connection between the bellcranks 81 and the link 92, but has a portion 98 thereof which extends past these links. In a similar manner, the upper ends of the bellcranks 83 and 84 and the lower ends 0f links 87 and 88 are connected by a parallel link 99 that has an extending portion 101.

The sidewall actuating frame assemblies 36 and 37 and the .filler wall panel 69 are fixed in position by a latch assembly, indicated generally by the reference numeral 102 and shown in more detail in FIGURES 9 and l0 in addition to FIGURES l and 3. The latch assembly 102 comprises a latch bar 103 that is affixed at one of its ends, as by welding, to the parallel link 95. The latch bar 103 has a plurality of serrations or teeth 104 formed o-n its upper edge. Cooperating with the teeth 104 are serrated teeth formed on the lower surface of a locking block 10S. The locking block 105 is pivotally connected at each side thereof to a pair of links 106 and 107. The lower end of the links 106 and 10-7 are pivotally connected to a horizontally extending release bar 108 that has a pair of pins 109 and 111 affixed at each end thereof. The pins 109 and 111 extend into an elongated aperture 112 formed in the extending end 101 of the parallel link 99 .and into an elongated aperture 113 in the parallel link 99. The pins 109 and 111 and elongated apertures 112 and 113,`there fore, form a lost motion connection between the release bar 108 and the parallel link 99. A coil spring 114 is connected between a pin 115 that is aixed to the release bar 108 and a pin 116 that is affixed to the locking block 105 to urge the serrated teeth of the block 105 into engagement with the serrated teeth 104 of the locking bar 103. Aiiixed to the outer end of the release bar 108 is a release dog 121 that has an arcuate end 122 that encircles the locking bar 103.

An actuating mechanism, indicated generally by the reference numeral 123 and best shown in FIGURES 1 and 3, is provided to release the latch assembly 102 and extend and retract the sidewall filler assembly 24. The actuating mechanism 123 includes a pair of horizontally extending bars 124 and 125 that are positioned above and below and slide upon the horizontal strap 33 of the door assembly 21. A pair of vertically extending strap members 126 and 127 are aixed to each end of the lower bar 125, which is shorter than the upper bar 124, and to the upper bar 124. The straps 126 and 127 are positioned on opposite sides of the horizontally extending strap 33 so that the bars 124 `and 125 will be constrained in a lateral direction with respect to the strap 33, but will be free to slide along it.

An actuating link 128 is pivotally connected at one end, as by a pivot pin 129 to the strap 126. The lower end of the actuating link 128 has a pin 131 affixed thereto that extends into an elongated slot 132 formed in the extending end portion 98 of the parallel link 97. An actuating link 133 is pivotally connected at its lower e-nd, by a pivot pin 134, to the strap 127. The upper end of the ac-tuating link 133 is piv-oted to the pin 111 of the release bar 108.

An operating link 135 is pivotally connected adjacent its lower end to the pivot pin 129. The upper end of the operating link 135 is pivotally connected to a pivot pin 136 that is aflixed to a bellcrank assembly 137. The bellcrank assembly 137 forms a portion of the inside operating mechanism for the sidewall filler assembly 24. An upper end of an operating link 138 is also pivotally connected to the pivot pin 136. The operating link 138 forms a portion of the outside operating mechanism for the sidewall iiller assembly 24.

Operation of sidewall filler assembly Prior to the description of the individual internal and external operating mechanisms of the sidewall filler assembly, it is believed that a description of the operation of the sidewall ller mechanism which has already been described will be helpful. The ller wall panel 69 is illustrated in its fully extended position in the drawings. If it is desired to retract the panel 69, the bellcrank assembly 137 is rotated in a clockwise direction about a pivot pin 139 that pivotally supports it upon the structural member 26 of the door assembly 21. This pivotal movement may be caused either internally of the storage area 25 or externally of it, as will become more apparent as this description proceeds.

When the bellcrank assembly 137 is rotated in a clockwise direction, the operating link 135 exerts a force through the pivot pin 129 that tends to cause it to move to the right, as viewed in FIGURES l and 3. When the pivot pin 129 is moved to the right, the bars 124 and 125 which are aixed to the strap 126 also slide to the right along the strap 33. The movement of the pivot pin 129 is also transmitted through the actuating link 12S to the pivot pin 131. The actuating link 133 also is moved because of its co-nnection to the pivot pin 134. The initial movement of 'the links 128 and 133 to the right causes the pins 131 and 111 to traverse the apertures 132 and 113 so that the parallel links 97 and 99 will not be actuated.

The pin 101, however, is affixed to the latch release bar 108 so that it will move upon the initial movement of the operating lever 135. During this initial movement, the release dog 121 engages the locking block 105 and causes the links 106 and 107 to pivot tensioning the coil spring 114. When this occurs, the serrations of the locking block 105 will be moved free of the teeth 104 so that the panel 69 and panel actuating frames 36 and 37 will be released for movement.

Continued movement of the bellcrank 137 and corresponding movement of the operating link 135 causes the pins 131 and 111 to complete their traverse of the apertures 132 and 113. The pin 109 also traverses the apperture 112 during this movement. After the apertures are completely traversed, the respective pins will engage the parallel links 97 and 109 and cause them to move to the right. The link 97 then causes the bellcranks 81 and 82 to rotate in a counterclockwise direction and the link 99 rotates the bellcranks 83 and 84 in a clockwise direction. The rotation of the bellcranks 81, 82, 83 and S4 is transmitted through links 85, 86, 87, 88, 91, 92, 93 and 94 to the sidewall actuating frames 36 and 37. The frame 36 is forced upwardly and the frame 37 downwardly. When the frame 36 moves upwardly, the pivotal connections of the hinges 61 and 63 to the straps 3S and 39 also move upwardly to cause the upper end of the panel 69 and its supporting frame to be drawn inwardly. In a like manner, the downward movement of the lower sidewall actuating frame 37 causes the lower end of the hinges 67 and 68 to move downwardly and draw the lower surface of the iiller wall panel 69 and its supporting frame inwardly toward the door assembly 21.

The ller wall panel 69 may be fully retracted or may be held in any desired position. When the required position of the filler wall panel 69 is reached, the rotation of the bellcrank assembly 137 is ceased. This will remove the tension of the release dog 121 upon the locking block 105 and it will again engage the serrations 104 of the locking bar 103. It will be seen, therefore, that the various serra/tions 104 `function as a means to lock the filler wall panel 69 in any position with respect to the door assembly 21.

When it is desired to extend the liller wall panel 69, the bellcrank assembly 137 is lrotated in a counterclockwise direction. The upper and lower sidewall actuating frames 36 and 37 ywill then move in a direction opposite to that previously described to again extend the filler wall panel 69. The motion of the actuating mechanism is also opposite to that previously described. The latch mechanism 102 is not released by the release dog 121 during extension of the filler wall panel 69, however. It should be apparent that the angular disposition of the linlm 105 and 106 and the provision of the coil spring 114 permits the locking bar 103 to move to the right or ratchet with respect to the locking bl-ock 105 because of the incline of the serrations 104. There is no need, therefore, to release the latch assembly 102 during extension of the panel for this reason.

Inside operating mechanism The inside operating mechanism for the filler assembly 24 will now be described with particular reference to FIGURES l, 3, ll and l2. As has been noted, the bellcrank assembly 137 is pivotally supported by a pivot pin 139 on the horizontal strap 33 of the door assembly 21. The bellcrank assembly 137 has an arcuate slot 141 in which is received a rivet 142 that forms a portion of an inside operating handle assembly 143. The operating handle assembly 143 includes an elongated operating handle 144 that is affixed, as by welding, to the rivet 142. The enlarged head of the rivet 142 retains it within the slot 141. Adjacent to the rivet 142 and transversely to it, a rivet 145 extends through the upper end of the handle 144. A locking pawl 146 having a recessed end 147 is pivotally supported upon the rivet 145. The recessed end 147 engages an arcuate portion 148 formed at the lower end of the bellcrank assembly 137 adjacent the lower end of the slot 141.

Referring to FIGURE l1, if the handle 144 is grasped at its lower end and rotated upwardly in a counterclockwise direction about the pin 142, the locking pawl portion 147 will bite into the bellcrank assembly 137 and permit it to be rotated. The handle assembly 143 is normally stored in a vertically extending position by means of a latch (not shown) that aflixes it with respect to the door. lf it is necessary to move the handle 143 with respect to the bellcrank 137 to return it to its storage position, the locking pawl 146 may be released by moving the recessed portion 147 clear of the bellcrank assembly 137.

Outside operating mechanism Referring now in detail to FIGURES 13 through 15, an outside operating mechanism for extending and retracting the filler wall panel 69 from externally of the railway car is indicated generally by the reference numeral 151. The outside operating mechanism 151 includes an actuating link 152 that is positioned on the inner surftce of the door assembly 21 and is pivotally connected, as by a pivot pin 153 to the lower end of the operating link 138. The lower end of the actuating link 152 is secured, as by rivets 154, to a plate 1:35 that is, in turn, affixed to a shaft 156 that extends through the door assembly 21. At its outer end, the shaft 156 is received within a bushing 157. The bushing 157 supports a key 15S that is received within a keyway 159 in the outer end of the shaft 156 so that the bushing 157 and shaft 156 will rotate as a unit.

A wheel assembly having a rim 161 and four equally spaced spokes 162 is supported around the bushing 157 and aliixed against rotation with respect thereto by the spokes 162 which may be integral with the bushing. It will be noted that the rim 161 has a generally circular shape, but has an interrupted portion or void 163 formed therein between a pair of the spokes 162.

An outside operating handle assembly 165 is supported for rotary and pivotal movement with respect to the outer end of the bushing 157 by a forked end 166 in any known manner. A pin 167 extends outwardly from the operating handle assembly 165 when it is in a storage position,

as shown in the drawings. A latch mechanism 16S, which may be of any known type, is provided for holding the `operating handle assembly 165 in its storage position.

When it is desired to operate the ller wall panel 69 by means of the external operating handle assembly 165, the latch 16d is released. The handle 165 is then rotated in a plane that extends normal to the door assembly 21 so that the pin 167, which previously faced away from the door assembly 21, enters the area between a pair of adjacent spokes 162. Rotation of the handle 165 about the shaft 156 will then cause the pin 167 to engage one of the spokes 162. Continued rotation of the handle 165 will rotate the shaft 156 as well as the actuating arm 152 and move the actuating link 13S to transmit motion to the bellcrank assembly 137. It will be noted that the inside operating handle assembly 143 is not disturbed during operation of the ller wall panel 69 by the outside handle assembly 165 because of the arcuate portion 148 of the lower end of the bellcrank assembly 137 (FIG- URE ll). When the sidewall panel 69 is positioned in the desired location, the outside handle assembly 165 is again returned to its storage position in engagement with the latch 168.

Interlock mechanism Since the filler wall assembly 24 is carried by the door assembly 21, it should be readily apparent that the door assembly 21 should not be opened when the ller wall panel 69 is in its extended or operatvie position. In its fully extended position, the ller wall assembly 24 would interfere with movement of the door assembly 21 into its opened position. The mechanism now to be described insures that the door assembly 21 cannot be opened until the ller wall panel 69 is in its storage or retracted position.

The door assembly 21 includes a pair of lock members 171 and 172 that coact with the car to lock the door assembly 21 in its closed position and are operated by door operating handles 173 and 174, respectively, in a known manner. When the door assembly 21 is in its closed position and the lock assemblies 171 and 172 are engaged the lock operating handles 173 and 174 are retained in an inoperative storage position vby a latch assembly, indicated generally by the reference numeral 175. The latch assembly 175 include sa plate having a generally inverted channel shaped portion with a cutout 176 (FIGURE 14). The lower ends of the door operating handles 173 and 174 are adapted to be inserted into the cutout 176 when in their inoperative position. A gravity latch member 177 is pivotally supported upon the door assembly 21 by a pivot pin 178 above the cutout 176. When the gravity latch 177 is in its downward or normal position, as seen in FIGURES 13 and 14, the lower ends of the door operating handles 173 and 174 cannot be removed from the latch assembly 175.

The wheel overlies the gravity latch 177 and its rim 161 is of such a radius that the gravity latch 177 cannot be rotated about the pivot pin 178 to release the door operating handles 173 and 174 when the rim 161 overlies it. If the cutout portion 163 is above the gravity latch 177, however, it can be rotated. The cutout portion 163 is positioned in such a manner with respect to the shaft 156 that it registers with the gravity latch 177 only when the sidewall ller assembly 24 is in its retracted position. Therefore, the door operating handles 173 and 174 can only be released from their locking device 175 when the sidewall filler assembly is retracted. If it is desired to open the door assembly 21 and the filler wall panel 69 is in its extended position, the panel 69 must Ibe retracted either through the external operating handle assembly 16S or the internal operating handle assembly 143 to register the cutout portion 163 with the gravity latch 175 before the door assembly 21 can be opened.

It should be readily apparent that a relatively simple ructure has been provided bracing freight within a storage area and the freight bracing means may be operated from either within ior externally of the storage area. In the illustrated embodiment, the freight bracing means, which is in the form of a sidewall filler panel assembly, is supported upon an access door of the storage area. It should be readily apparent, however, that the filler panel assembly could be supported directly upon one of the walls that defines the storage area. In a like manner, the panels of the type disclosed could be positioned on all sides as well as the top and bottom walls of the storage area. In the disclosed embodiment wherein the ller wall panel assembly is supported on the door, it is essential that the door is not opened when the panel is retracted and conversely that the panel is retracted before the door is opened. A relatively simple interlock has been provided that is operative with respect to both the inside and outside operating mechanisms to insure that the door will not be opened when the panel is extended.

It is to be understood that the invention is not limited to the exact construction shown and described or to various modifications referred to in the foregoing description. Various other changes and modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention, as defined by the appended claims.

What is claimed is:

1. A freight bracing system for a railway car `or the like defining a freight storage area and having an access door supported for movement from a closed position to an opened position for access to said storage area comprising freight bracing means supported for movement from a retracted position to an operative position for engaging freight within the storage area, said freight bracing means being disposed when in its operative position to interfere with the movement of the access door from its closed to its opened position, actuating means for moving said freight bracing means between its retracted and its operative positions, means for operating said actuating means, and means interconnected with said actuating means for precluding opening of the door when said freight bracing means is in its operative position.

2. A freight bracing system for a railway car or the like defining a freight storage area and having an access door supported for movement from a closed position to an opened position for access to the storage area comprising freight bracing means supported for movement from a retracted position to an operative position for engaging freight within the storage area, said freight bracing means being disposed when in its operative position to interfere with the movement of the access d-oor from its closed to its opened position, actuating means for moving said freight bracing means between its retracted and its operative positions, rst operating means for operating said actuating means, said first operating means being located within the storage area, second operating means for operating said actuating means, said second operating means being located externally of the storage area, and means interconnected with said actuating means for precluding opening -of the door when said freight bracing means is in its operative position.

3. A railway car or the like having a storage area and an access door supported for movement from a closed position to an opened position for access to said storage area, freight bracing means supported for movement by said door from a retracted position to an operative position for engaging freight within said storage area, said freight bracing means being disposed when in its operative position to interfere with the movement of the access door from its closed to its opened position, actuating means for moving said freight bracing means between its retracted and its operative positions, first operating means for operating said actuating means, said first operating means being located within said storage area, second operating means for operating said actuating means, said second operating means being located externally of said storage area, and interlock means interconnecting said actuating means with said door for precluding opening of said door 9 when sald freight bracing means is in its operative position.

4. A freight bracing system for a device defining a storage area, an access door to the storage area supported for movement between an opened position and a closed position and handle means for operating the access door comprising freight bracing means, means supporting said freight bracing means for movement from a retracted position to an operative position for engagement with freight contained within the storage area, said freight bracing means being disposed when in its operative position to interfere with the movement of the access door from its closed to its opened position, actuating means for moving said freight bracing means between its retracted and its operative positions, and interlock means interconnecting said actuating means with the handle means for precluding operation of the door by the handle means when the freight bracing means is in its operative position.

S. In combination, a plurality of walls defining a storage area, an access opening to said storage area in one of said walls, an access door for closing said access opening and supported for movement from an open to a closed position, handle means for operating said access door, freight bracing means, means supporting said freight bracing means for movement between a storage position and an operative position for engagement with freight within said storage area, said freight bracing means being disposed when in its operative position to interfere with the movement of the access door from its closed to its opened position, actuating means for moving said freight bracing means between its storage and its operative positions including first operating means positioned within said storage area and second operating means positioned externally of said storage area, and interlock means interconnecting said actuating means with said handle means for precluding operation of said handle means and opening of said door when said freight bracing means is in its operative position, said interlock means being effective to preclude opening of said access door regardless of which of said operating means has been utilized to position said freight bracing means in its operative position.

6. In combination, a plurality of walls defining a storage area, an access opening to said storage area in one of said walls, an access door for closing said access opening and supported for movement from an open to a closed position, handle means for opening said access door, a filler wall supported for movement by said access door for movement from a storage position to an operative position for engagement of freight within said storage area, said filler wall being disposed in its operative position to interfere with the movement of said access door from its closed to its open position, actuating means for moving said filler wall between its operative and its storage position, and interlock means interconnecting said actuating means with said handle means for precluding operation of said handle means to open said access door when said filler wall is in its operative position.

7. In combination, a plurality of walls defining a storage area, an access opening in one of said walls for access to said storage area, an access door for closing said access opening and supported for movement from an open to a closed position, an operating handle for opening said access door, a filler wall supported for movement by said access door from a storage position to an operative position for engaging freight within said storage area, said filler wall being disposed in its operative position to interfere with movement of said access door from its closed to its open position, actuating means for moving said filler wall between its storage and its operative positions including first operating means positioned within said storage area and second operating means positioned externally of said storage area, and interlocking means interconnecting said actuating means with said handle for precluding opening of said door when said filler wall is in its operative position, said interlocking means being effective to preclude openng of said door regardless of which of 10 said operating means has been utilized to position said filler Wall in its operative position.

8. A freight bracing system 4for a device defining a storage area, an access opening to the storage area, an access door supported for movement from an opened position to a closed position extending across the access opening and handle means for operating the access door comprising latch means for precluding operation of the handle means, a freight bracing means supported for movement from a retracted position to an operative position for engaging freight within the storage area, said freight bracing means being disposed when in its operative position to interfere with the movement of the access door from its closed to its opened position, actuating means for moving said freight bracing means between its retracted and its operative positions, and means for precluding release of said latch means when said freight bracing means is in its 0perative position.

9. A freight bracing system for a device defining a storage area, an access opening to the storage area, an access door supported for movement from an open position to a closed position in registry with the access opening, lock means for retaining the access door in the closed position and handle means for releasing the lock means comprising a freight bracing device supported for movement from a retracted position to an operative position for engaging freight within the storage area, said freight bracing means being disposed when in its operative position to interfere with the movement of the access door from its closed to its opened position, actuating means for moving said freight gracing means between its retracted and its operative positions, and operating means for operating said actuating means, said actuating means including means for precluding release of the latch means when the freight bracing means is in its operative position.

1t). A freight bracing system for a device defining a storage area, an access opening to the storage area, an access door supported for movement from an open position to a closed position in registry with the access opening, locking means for retaining the access door in its closed position, handle means for releasing the locking means and latch means for retaining the handle means in an inoperative position for precluding release of the latch comprising a freight bracing means supported for movement from a retracted position to an operative position for engaging freight within the storage area, said freight bracing means being disposed when in its operative position to interfere with the movement of the access door from its closed to its opened position, actuating means for moving said freight bracing means between its retracted and its operative positions, first operating means for operating said actuating means, said first operating means being located within the storage area, and second operating means f-Or operating said actuating means, said second operating means being located externally of the storage area, said actuating means having a portion thereof adapted to block the latch means for precluding release of the latch means when the freight bracing means is in its operative position.

11. In combination, a device having a plurality of walls defining a storage area, an access opening in one of said walls, an access door supported for movement from an open position to a closed position in registry with said access opening, lock means for retaining said access door in its closed position, -handle means for releasing said lock means, latch means for retaining said handle means in an inoperative position for precluding release of said lock means and opening of said door, freight bracing means supported within said storage area for movement from a retracted position to an operative position for engaging freight within said storage area, said freight bracing means being disposed when in its operative position to interfere with the movement -of the access door from its closed to its opened position, actuating means for moving said freight bracing means between its retracted and its operative positions, first operating means for operating said actuating means, said first operating means being located within said storage area, second operating means for operating said freight bracing means, said second operating means being located externally of said storage area, and said actuating means including means for precluding release of said latch means when said freight bracing means is in its operative position. l

12. In combination, a wall dening in part a storage area, an access opening in said wall, a door supported for movement from an open position to a closed position in registry with said access opening, lock means retaining said door in its closed position, handle means for operating said lock means, latch means including a piv-oted latch element for retaining said handle means in an inoperative position for precluding release of said lock means, freight bracing means supported on the side of said wall adjacent said storage area for movement from a retracted position to an operative position in engagement with freight within said storage area, said freight bracing means being disposed when in its operative position to interfere with the movement of the access door from its closed to its opened position, actuating means for moving said freight bracing means between its retracted and its yoperative positions, said actuating means including a rotatably supported element positioned above said latch element, said rotatably supported element having a surface thereon for precluding release of said latch element and a relieved portion permitting release of said iatch element, said rotatably supported element being interconnected with said actuating means for registry of said relieved portion with said latch element when said freight bracing means is in its retracted position.

13. A freight bracing system as set forth in claim 1 wherein the freight bracing means is supported upon the access door.

14. The combination as set forth in claim 6 wherein the access door is supported for sliding movement with respect to the one wall between its open and closed positions.

References Cited UNTTED STATES PATENTS 1,833,016 11/1931 Chandler 10S- 369 2,956,815 10/1936 Wynn 10S-369 2,819,810 1/1958 De Witt 10S- 369 2,885,221 5/1959 Weeks 105-369 2,930,332 3/1960 Cook et al 10S- 378 2,958,873 11/1960 Ferneau 10S-369 3,022,037 2/1962 Stallard 10S-369 3,151,572 lil/1964 Moorehead et al. 105-369 3,212,458 10/1965 Robertson 10S-369 ARTHUR L. LA POINT, Primary Examiner.

DRAYTON E. HOFFMAN, Examiner. 

1. A FREIGHT BRACING SYSTEM FOR A RAILWAY CAR OR THE LIKE DEFINING A FREIGHT STORAGE AREA AND HAVING AN ACCESS DOOR SUPPORTED FOR MOVEMENT FROM A CLOSED POSITION TO AN OPENED POSITION FOR ACCESS TO SAID STORAGE AREA COMPRISING FREIGHT BRACING MEANS SUPPORTED FOR MOVEMENT FROM A RETRACTED POSITION TO AN OPERATIVE POSITION FOR ENGAGING FREIGHT WITHIN THE STORAGE AREA, SAID FREIGHT BRACING MEANS BEING DISPOSED WHEN IN ITS OPERATIVE POSITION TO INTERFERE WITH THE MOVEMENT OF THE ACCESS DOOR FROM ITS CLOSED TO ITS OPENED POSITION, ACTUATING MEANS FOR MOVING SAID FREIGHT BRACING MEANS BETWEEN ITS RETRACTED AND ITS OPERATIVE PO- 